July 15, 2021
Today, July 15, 2021, the City of Lawrence issued a Cease and Desist Order to AT&T and its subcontractors for all active projects in the City of Lawrence. All right-of-way permits applied for by AT&T and its contractors will be denied until their behavior is corrected.
The City of Lawrence has received numerous complaints from residents and the other utilities operating in the right of way regarding the reckless behavior of AT&T and its contractors. The City is issuing the Cease and Desist Order to be proactive in protecting the safety and functional infrastructure of our community. There have been multiple instances of AT&T and its contractors hitting other public utility and competitor’s facilities without utility locates being performed in advance. Kansas law requires utility locates be performed in advance of work in public rights of way and utility easements. Utility locates help protect our community against service disruptions and risks to safety, including electrocution and gas leaks.
The City has previously communicated to AT&T regarding this issue and there has not been a correction to the action. The City understands that telecommunications services are important to businesses and residents and looks forward to working with AT&T on a resolution.
A copy of the Cease and Desist Order is available to read here (PDF).
Contact: Porter Arneill, Director of Communications & Creative Resources, (785) 832-3402 | parneill@lawrenceks.org